Mets Pitching Matchups vs Nationals (9/15 - 9-18)

Monday, September 15 Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

Pedro Martinez, RHP (5-4, 5.44) Mets (83-65)   @   John Lannan, LHP (8-13, 4.09) Nationals (56-93)

Scouting Report: Mets: After allowing six runs in four innings against the Phillies on Sunday, Martinez said that he had greater flexibility that he had in other recent starts. But the high run total points to a disconnect between physical condition and his performance. He could have escaped Sunday's first start with three runs if not for a few misplays in the outfield. He hasn't opposed the Nationals this season and has had minimal exposure to their regulars in his career. Nationals: The last time he took the mound, Lannan had one of his worst starts of the season. Against the Mets on Tuesday, the 23-year-old lasted just three innings for the first time since May 2 and gave up five runs on eight hits in the process. After the game, Lannan insisted his arm is fine, even though he's pitched a career-high 163 innings. Over his last five starts, Lannan has posted a 7.82 ERA.

Tuesday, September 16 Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

Mike Pelfrey, RHP (13-9, 3.77) Mets (83-65)   @   Odalis Perez, LHP (6-10, 4.48) Nationals (56-93)

Scouting Report: Mets: Pelfrey was credited with a no-decision during the Mets' high-scoring affair with the Nationals on Wednesday, surrendering five runs on eight hits in five innings. Although the duration was less than average -- he hadn't been pulled before the sixth frame since a 4 2/3-inning outing against the Marlins on Aug. 10 -- Pelfrey still threw 96 pitches (56 strikes). His control was streaky, though, especially with Elijah Dukes in the batter's box. Dukes homered in the second inning and was nearly hit in the fourth, causing Dukes to yell at Pelfrey. Dukes was hit by Pelfrey in the fifth, but took first base without incident. Pelfrey will face the Nationals for the fourth time this season in this start, having compiled a 1-1 record against them, with a 2.75 ERA. Nationals: Perez's worst outing of the season came on Wednesday against the Mets, when he gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in just three innings of work. The six earned runs tied a season high -- which he has set two other times this year -- and over his past seven starts, the 30-year-old has given up 22 runs in 36 2/3 innings (a 5.40 ERA).

Wednesday, September 17 Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

To be announced Mets (83-65)   @   To be announced Nationals (56-93)

Thursday, September 18 Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

Johan Santana, LHP (13-7, 2.70) Mets (83-65)   @   Tim Redding, RHP (10-9, 4.54) Nationals (56-93)

Scouting Report: Mets: Though Santana's no-decision on Saturday came only after he allowed two straight hits to open the eighth, it was hardly his fault. A shaky bullpen permitted both runs to score, and so Santana was unable to win his seventh straight decision. Pitching with a fastball that he said was "all over the place," Santana did shut out the Braves for seven innings before losing the lead. In two starts against the Nationals this season, he is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA. Nationals: It looked like it was going to be a rough night for Redding on Saturday against the Marlins. But after the 30-year-old gave up four runs in the first two innings -- on a couple of two-run shots -- he settled down, keeping the Marlins scoreless on just two hits in his next four innings. With his six-inning performance, the seventh-year veteran set a new career high for innings pitched in a season with 176 1/3. Redding is 1-1 against the Mets this season.